Frequently Asked Questions

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

What are the requirements for applying to the SSE Russia Executive MBA programs?

Minimum requirements include a Bachelor degree from an accredited institution of higher education and five years of relevant managerial experience.

APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINES

How do I apply to the SSE Russia Executive MBA program? Which documents are necessary?

To apply to the program, you must complete and send us by e-mail an application form and 2 recommendation letters, written and signed by a manager/partner/colleague at a higher level of management. We also require an official copy of your passport and degree/diploma and grade transcripts.

Which is the deadline for applying?

To be considered for the program on the next Academic Council, you will need to submit your application by February 1, 2018.

If you manage to send the application earlier, you will have a chance to pass all necessary procedures and to get the final decision of the admission board about your acceptance to the group.

Recommendation letters should be written and signed by the person who recommends the participant for SSE in Russia, scanned and sent by e-mail directly to the following addresses: emba-gm@sserussia.org — for the EMBA GM in English program emba-rus@sserussia.org — for the EMBA GM in Russian program

TEST AND INTERVIEW PROCEDURE

Prior to the interview, candidates go through a set of tests including, among others, Verbal Logical test, Logical Mathematical test, Quantity Estimation test and UPP test.

How does the Verbal Logical test look like?

In this test you will be given several series of analogies. In each task you will be given two comprehensions. First step – to understand the logical relation between these two words. Second step – using this logical relation to choose the right word for the comprehension given in the second pair.

How does the Logical Mathematical test look like?

In this test you will be given several series of numbers. Each series was created by following a special rule. This rule applies either to the numbers themselves or to their order in the sequence. Based on this rule, and using the previous numbers in the series, you can determine what the next number should be.

How does the Quantity Estimation test look like?

You shall find an approximate answer to the questions without any support materials (calculator, notebook, etc.). By “approximate” is meant ± 10%. For example, if the correct answer is 97.52 the answer 100, 90.17 and 106 are all within the allowed margin of error.

How does the UPP test look like?

It is a testing procedure regarding personality dimensions and general mental ability. It is a self-report personality test, which contains about 300 items and takes about an hour to respond to. The test measures a number of personality dimensions and also attitudes to work and job motivation.

How does the Interview look like?

It is a 30-40 minutes conversation between the candidate and 2 school representatives about candidate’s personality. The questions to candidate are based on the information provided in application form, essays and recommendation letters.

MISCELLANEOUS

What type of Diploma does SSE Russia provide?

Those participants who successfully passed through the program will get the Executive Master of Business Administration Diploma of Stockholm School of Economics. By attending an Executive MBA program unique for SSE Russia you hence receive a diploma from the Stockholm School of Economics.

Is the Diploma of SSE accredited?

No, since Swedish higher education legislation does not accredit Executive MBA programs. But SSE as a school is accredited by EQUIS.

What is the difference between the EMBA GM in English program and the EMBA GM in Russian program?

Both programs have the same content, materials and the same lecturers. The difference is only in the language of instruction and for the written home assignments, exams and Executive Master Thesis. Thus, the Russian language will be mentioned as the program language of instruction in the transcript to the EMBA in Russian Diploma.

Is the program taught in English?

The program is held entirely in English (with simultaneous translation in the EMBA GM in Russian program).

When are classes scheduled? Are classes held in the evening or during weekends?

Modules are usually scheduled Wednesday to Sunday from 9 am to 7.30 pm, with some evening activities during that week. Attendance is mandatory. Estimated time for self-studies between program weeks is approximately 10-15 hours per week. Modules frequency is roughly once every 4-6 weeks. Half of the modules take place in Moscow, half in Saint Petersburg, and one module is traditionally held in Stockholm. It is possible that other modules will take place abroad.

Is it possible to study on-line?

No, SSE in SPb does not offer online studies for the SSE Executive MBA. We believe in the direct interaction between people, and learning through the network of top faculty and fellow participants from different industries and functions.

Do you require compulsory attendance in class and ongoing formal examinations?

Yes, we do as that is the only way that we safeguard the academic quality and recognition of our programs and, hence, the Executive MBA diploma.

What career services are provided by SSE Russia?

It is important that you have your employer’s consent and support to study in the EMBA program, and that your employer understands the investment of time required for this purpose. Many times the EMBA is part of a career development plan agreed upon by you and your employer. As most participants are sponsored by their current employer, SSE in Russia does not offer career services for EMBA participants.